An NYPD officer working with the department’s youth “Police Explorers” program is accused of trying to strike up a sexual conversation with an undercover officer he thought was a 14-year-old girl.
Travis DeSouza, 35, a 13-year NYPD veteran assigned to Brooklyn’s 75th Precinct, was busted on Friday on attempted disseminating indecent materials to minors and attempted child endangerment.
DeSouza’s behavior working with the Police Explorers youth program for youngsters between 14 and 20 interested in law enforcement had sparked concerns. So authorities sent a young-looking undercover officer to approach him in person. She identified herself as a 14-year-old girl and expressed interest in the program, according to sources and the complaint.
She gave him her contact info, and on Oct. 16, while he was inside the 75th Precinct station house in East New York, he texted her descriptions of sexual acts, according to the complaint. He also sent her a photo of what appeared to be an aroused penis covered in clothing, the complaint says.
NYPD records show DeSouza completed a “rape is rape” training session as part of his job just a month prior to his alleged conduct. He also had sexual harassment training in April, and in July completed a training session on assisting survivors of sexual-based violence.
DeSouza was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court Friday and released without bail until his next court appearance in January.
He’s been suspended without pay, an NYPD police spokesperson said.
His lawyer did not return a message seeking comment Monday.
